Bega Cheese, Rabobank, KPMG back push to create hundreds of south coast jobs

The dairy giant is pressing forward with its ‘new religion for farmers’ which will create hundreds of south coast jobs in what will be a first for regional Australia.

A move by blue chip company Bega Cheese could see the creation of hundreds of south coast jobs in what will be a first for regional Australia.

Bega Cheese Executive Chairman Barry Irvin said the company’s idea to increase economic activity within the local area through the Bega Circular Valley 2030 initiative, aims to reduce the environmental and social impacts of unsustainable resource use.

Instead of the current way of making, using and disposing of foreign-made products like food, machinery parts and equipment, the focus will be on re-using and recycling as much as possible using local companies and producers.

There is also discussions around the possibilty of a new regional recycling plant.

The company has the backing of Rabobank and KPMG, who are looking into opportunities for economic development and seeking new investors, free of charge.

Mr Irvin said the project would be ready to begin the transition by the 2022 financial year, with the $100 million expected to be invested to be helped with $7.5 million in state government funding.

Bega Cheese executive chairman Barry Irvin on his Bega Valley dairy farm. Picture: Robert Hayson

“Our goal is to create a legacy for the future generations of the Bega Valley, and be an example for other regions to follow as the most circular valley in Australia,” he said.

Bega Valley Shire Council voted to support the initiative on Wednesday, with former mayor and dairy farmer Tony Allen calling the concept “quite brilliant”.

Cr Allen said while he had reservations at first, the move would increase the sustainability of his own farm over the next 40 years. He described it as a “new religion” for many farmers, adding the region is in desperate need of job creation.

Bega Cheese plans to create a circular economy for the entire far south coast.

“It’s about creating simple outcomes to lead us into a better future by working smarter and using new technology,” the former mayor said.

“With COVID and the way the world is moving, there’s a shift to buy and manufacture locally. People want to pay a little more for a quality local product.

“What we are doing here is moving away from alarmist stuff about climate change and the economy, and doing something practical.”

Bega Valley Shire Council's Tony Allen said while he was sceptical of the move at first, he now fully supports the idea. Picture: Katrina Walsh

A council spokesmam said the move would likely create around 200 jobs in the region, with data showing if it is not put in place, the labour force could halve in the region over coming years.

“The focus of this economic productivity is on diverting waste, such as plastics, textiles and organics, from landfill for higher value uses,” a spokeswoman said.

“A 5 per cent increase in materials efficiency is estimated to add $10 billion to NSW gross domestic product, while circular economy initiatives in food, transport and the built environment have the potential to contribute around $87.5 billion to the NSW GDP.”

The spokesman said the NSW Government’s Circular Economy Policy was created to help boost innovation, growth and job creation, while reducing environmental impacts, with the rest of the state expected to transition over coming years.

Bega state Liberal MP Andrew Constance’s government supports the move as does Bega Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick (right).

“Within the Bega Valley there is the creativity, know-how and natural advantage to create a sustainable way of life,” council’s director of community, environment and planning Dr Alice Howe said.

“By taking a circular approach, we can add value to our local economy, keep more people in local jobs, capitalise on our natural assets, optimise resource use, and reduce the amount of waste we generate.”

Cr Allen praised the work of Mr Irvin and the region’s blue chip dairy processor for consistently thinking outside the box.

“I think the plan has got a lot going for it. Bega Cheese has always been out there in terms of vision, and they promote our clean, green image,” he said.

He said the region is “ahead of the game” when it comes to sustainability and viability, and said with Rabobank and KPMG backing the concept, it would move forward quickly.

“People like to identify with winners, and Bega Cheese is a winner,” he said.

“The company is a huge success story. I think their vision and want to challenge the future is wonderful.”